Bengaluru, 13 July

In recognition of the critical role played by running staff in ensuring smooth train services, the South Western Railway (SWR) Bengaluru Division is making improvements to the facilities available to them. These upgrades and expansions target the resting rooms used by train crew members, including drivers and train managers (guards).

The improvements include well-equipped lounges offering air conditioning, subsidised and packed meals for staff starting shifts at odd hours. Each room features a crew lobby with essential train operation information, restrooms with air conditioning, RO water purifiers and solar heaters. To unwind, staff can enjoy recreational facilities such as foot massagers, chess boards, and carom boards. Additionally, washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and gyms are included as amenities.

"Our running staffs are the backbone of railway operations," Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Bengaluru Division Trinetra KR told Salar News. "We are committed to providing them with the best possible facilities to ensure their comfort and efficiency," he said.

Speaking to Salar News, Nagaraju PR, a loco pilot with SWR for nearly 10 years said, “We appreciate the railway's efforts in providing such extensive facilities. Many of us, including myself, come from faraway places and rarely get to go home. These improvements will enhance our work environment, and job satisfaction, and make us feel more at home."

Currently, the Bengaluru Division operates four running rooms across four railway stations: KSR, SMVT, Yeswanthpur, and Bangarapet, accommodating 191 staff members.

Plans are underway for a major expansion, with 14 new running rooms and an additional 505 beds proposed across the SWR network. Additionally, eight more running rooms with 274 beds are slated for future sanction. Salar News